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Alternative Fuels

Eurofins: UCOME, POME, UCO as feedstocks for bio bunker fuel present ‘unique’ challenges for shipping sector

Variability of sources can affect the stability and performance of biofuel bunkers produced from these feedstocks, in turn leading to difficulties in meeting regulations and industry standards, shares Bryan Quek.
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Usage of used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME), palm oil mill effluent (POME) and used cooking oil (UCO) as alternative feedstocks in the petroleum industry is gaining popularity due to the growing demand for sustainable bunker fuel options.

However, these feedstocks present unique challenges that need to be addressed for effective utilisation as alternatives to traditional marine fuels, believes the General Manager of Singapore-based fuel testing laboratory Eurofins Mechem Pte Ltd.

“These challenges can be effectively addressed through comprehensive testing, certification, and documentation procedures, thus allowing for the effective utilisation of these feedstocks as alternatives to traditional marine fuel,” Bryan Quek tells Manifold Times. 

“Eurofins, as a leader in food & feed testing, can help petroleum blending companies navigate the challenges associated with the production and trade of sustainable cargo such as UCOME, POME, and UCO.”

According to Mr Quek, a main challenge in the usage of UCOME, POME and UCO in the petroleum industry is related to quality control.

These feedstocks, typically derived from a variety of sources including food waste, agricultural waste, and industrial waste, can lead to variability in their quality and purity. Variability of sources can affect the stability and performance of biofuels produced from these feedstocks, in turn leading to difficulties in meeting regulations and industry standards.

Another challenge is related to sustainability and compliance with industry standards. Due to the variability of feedstocks, it is critical to ensure sustainable production practises with compliance to regulatory standards such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2).

The compatibility of UCOME, POME and UCO – which chemical properties can be different from petroleum-based traditional feedstocks – can affect the stability and performance of biofuels resulting in incompatibility issues of blended product, in turn affecting vessel engine performance and durability.

“Eurofins can help petroleum blending companies address these compatibility issues by providing testing services to assess the compatibility of UCOME, POME and UCO feedstocks with traditional petroleum products,” states Mr Quek.

“For instance, Eurofins can offer testing services to determine the acidity, saponification number, and iodine value of the feedstocks. These tests can help to determine the chemical properties of feedstocks and ensure they are compatible with traditional petroleum products. 

“Furthermore, Eurofins can offer testing services to assess the thermal stability of biofuels produced with UCOME, POME and UCO feedstocks. These tests can help to determine the stability of biofuels under high temperatures and ensure they meet industry standards.”

“By providing testing, certification, and documentation support, Eurofins can help these companies produce high-quality, compatible and compliant bio-grade petroleum products,” highlights Mr Quek.

“Our expertise in food & feed testing can assist in ensuring the compatibility of sustainable feedstocks with traditional petroleum products and positively impacting the industry and the environment.”

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 19 January, 2023

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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July 21, 2026

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.
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July 21, 2026

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.
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July 21, 2026

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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said. 

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels. 

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

 

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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